We report magnetic and spectroscopic observations and modelling of the Of?p star CPD -28° 2561. Using more than 75 new spectra, we have measured the equivalent width variations and examined the dynamic ... [more ▼]

We report magnetic and spectroscopic observations and modelling of the Of?p star CPD -28° 2561. Using more than 75 new spectra, we have measured the equivalent width variations and examined the dynamic spectra of photospheric and wind-sensitive spectral lines. A period search results in an unambiguous 73.41 d variability period. High-resolution spectropolarimetric data analysed using least-squares deconvolution yield a Zeeman signature detected in the mean Stokes V profile corresponding to phase 0.5 of the spectral ephemeris. Interpreting the 73.41 d period as the stellar rotational period, we have phased the equivalent widths and inferred longitudinal field measurements. The phased magnetic data exhibit a weak sinusoidal variation, with maximum of about 565 G at phase 0.5, and a minimum of about -335 G at phase 0.0, with extrema approximately in phase with the (double-wave) Hα equivalent width variation. Modelling of the Hα equivalent width variation assuming a quasi-3D magnetospheric model produces a unique solution for the ambiguous couplet of inclination and magnetic obliquity angles: (i, β) or (β, i) = (35°, 90°). Adopting either geometry, the longitudinal field variation yields a dipole polar intensity B[SUB]d[/SUB] = 2.6 ± 0.9 kG, consistent with that obtained from direct modelling of the Stokes V profiles. We derive a wind magnetic confinement parameter η[SUB]*[/SUB] ≃ 100, leading to an Alfvén radius R[SUB]A[/SUB] ≃ 3-5R[SUB]*[/SUB], and a Kepler radius R[SUB]K[/SUB] ≃ 20R[SUB]*[/SUB]. This supports a physical scenario in which the Hα emission and other line variability have their origin in an oblique, corotating `dynamical magnetosphere' structure resulting from a magnetically channelled wind. Nevertheless, the details of the formation of spectral lines and their variability within this framework remain generally poorly understood. [less ▲]

This paper presents a first observational investigation of the faint Of?p star NGC 1624-2, yielding important new constraints on its spectral and physical characteristics, rotation, magnetic field ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a first observational investigation of the faint Of?p star NGC 1624-2, yielding important new constraints on its spectral and physical characteristics, rotation, magnetic field strength, X-ray emission and magnetospheric properties. Modelling the spectrum and spectral energy distribution, we conclude that NGC 1624-2 is a main-sequence star of mass M ≃ 30 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB], and infer an effective temperature of 35 ± 2 kK and log g = 4.0 ± 0.2. Based on an extensive time series of optical spectral observations we report significant variability of a large number of spectral lines, and infer a unique period of 157.99 ± 0.94 d which we interpret as the rotational period of the star. We report the detection of a very strong (5.35 ± 0.5 kG) longitudinal magnetic field <B[SUB]z[/SUB]>, coupled with probable Zeeman splitting of the Stokes I profiles of metal lines confirming a surface field modulus of 14 ± 1 kG, consistent with a surface dipole of polar strength ≳20 kG. This is the largest magnetic field ever detected in an O-type star, and the first report of Zeeman splitting of Stokes I profiles in such an object. We also report the detection of reversed Stokes V profiles associated with weak, high-excitation emission lines of O III, which we propose may form in the close magnetosphere of the star. We analyse archival Chandra ACIS-I X-ray data, inferring a very hard spectrum with an X-ray efficiency of log L[SUB]x[/SUB]/L[SUB]bol[/SUB] = -6.4, a factor of 4 larger than the canonical value for O-type stars and comparable to that of the young magnetic O-type star θ[SUP]1[/SUP] Ori C and other Of?p stars. Finally, we examine the probable magnetospheric properties of the star, reporting in particular very strong magnetic confinement of the stellar wind, with η[SUB]*[/SUB] ≃ 1.5 × 10[SUP]4[/SUP], and a very large Alfvén radius, R[SUB]Alf[/SUB] = 11.4 R[SUB]*[/SUB]. Based on spectropolarimetric observations obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) which is operated by the National Research Council of Canada, the Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers (INSU) of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii, as well as on observations obtained using the Narval spectropolarimeter at the Observatoire du Pic du Midi (France), which is operated by the INSU. The spectroscopic data were gathered with five facilities: the 9.2-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory (MDO), the 3.5-m Telescope at Calar Alto Observatory (CAHA), the 1.5-m Telescope at the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN), the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) and the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope at Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO). [less ▲]

We present the first ultraviolet spectrum of the peculiar, magnetic Of?p star HD 108 obtained in its spectroscopic low state. The new data, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on ... [more ▼]

We present the first ultraviolet spectrum of the peculiar, magnetic Of?p star HD 108 obtained in its spectroscopic low state. The new data, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on the Hubble Space Telescope, reveal significant changes compared to IUE spectra obtained in the high state: N Vλ1240, Si IVλ1400 and C IVλ1550 present weaker P Cygni profiles (less absorption) in the new data, while N IVλ1718 absorption is deeper, without the clear wind signature evident in the high state. Such changes contrast with those found in other magnetic massive stars, where more absorption is observed in the resonance doublets when the sightline is close to the plane of the magnetic equator. The new data show also that the photospheric Fe IV forest, at ˜1600-1700 Å, has strengthened compared to previous observations. The ultraviolet variability is large compared to that found in typical, non-magnetic O stars, but moderate when compared to the high-/low-state changes reported in the optical spectrum of HD 108 over several decades. We use non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) expanding-atmosphere models to analyse the new STIS observations. Overall, the results are in accord with a scenario in which the optical variability is mainly produced by magnetically constrained gas, close to the photosphere. The relatively modest changes found in the main ultraviolet wind lines suggest that the stellar wind is not substantially variable on a global scale. Nonetheless, multidimensional radiative-transfer models may be needed to understand some of the phenomena observed. [less ▲]

High-resolution data of the peculiar magnetic massive star HD148937 were obtained with Chandra-HETGS, and are presented here in combination with a re-analysis of the older XMM-RGS data. The lines of the ... [more ▼]

High-resolution data of the peculiar magnetic massive star HD148937 were obtained with Chandra-HETGS, and are presented here in combination with a re-analysis of the older XMM-RGS data. The lines of the high-Z elements (Mg, Si, S) were found to be unshifted and relatively narrow (FWHM of about 800km/s), i.e. narrower than the O line recorded by RGS, which possibly indicates that the hot plasma is multi-thermal and has several origins. These data further indicate a main plasma temperature of about 0.6keV and a formation of the X-ray emission at about one stellar radius above the photosphere. From the spectral fits and the H-to-He line ratios, the presence of very hot plasma is however confirmed, though with a smaller relative strength than for the prototype magnetic oblique rotator $\theta^1$\,Ori\,C. Both stars thus share many similarities, but HD148937 appears less extreme than $\theta^1$\,Ori\,C despite having also a large magnetic confinement parameter. [less ▲]

We report magnetic and spectroscopic observations and modelling of the Of?p star HD 148937 within the context of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Large Program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope ... [more ▼]

We report magnetic and spectroscopic observations and modelling of the Of?p star HD 148937 within the context of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Large Program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. 32 high signal-to-noise ratio circularly polarized (Stokes V) spectra and 13 unpolarized (Stokes I) spectra of HD 148937 were acquired in 2009 and 2010. A definite detection of a Stokes V Zeeman signature is obtained in the grand mean of all observations [in both least-squares deconvolved (LSD) mean profiles and individual spectral lines]. The longitudinal magnetic field inferred from the Stokes V LSD profiles is consistently negative, in contrast to the essentially zero field strength measured from the diagnostic null profiles. A period search of new and archival equivalent width measurements confirms the previously reported 7.03 d variability period. The variation of equivalent widths is not strictly periodic: we present evidence for evolution of the amount or distribution of circumstellar plasma. Interpreting the 7.03 d period as the stellar rotational period within the context of the oblique rotator paradigm, we have phased the equivalent widths and longitudinal field measurements. The longitudinal field measurements show a weak sinusoidal variation of constant sign, with extrema out of phase with the Hα variation by about 0.25 cycles. From our constraint on v sin i≤ 45 km s[SUP]-1[/SUP], we infer that the rotational axis inclination i≤ 30°. Modelling the longitudinal field phase variation directly, we obtain the magnetic obliquity β= 38[SUP]+17[/SUP][SUB]-28[/SUB]° and dipole polar intensity B[SUB]d[/SUB]= 1020[SUP]-380[/SUP][SUB]+310[/SUB] G. Simple modelling of the Hα equivalent width variation supports the derived geometry. The inferred magnetic configuration confirms the suggestion of Nazé et al., who proposed that the weaker variability of HD 148937 as compared to other members of this class is a consequence of the stellar geometry. Based on the derived magnetic properties and published wind characteristics, we find a wind magnetic confinement parameter η[SUB]*[/SUB]≃ 20 and rotation parameter W= 0.12, supporting a picture in which the Hα emission and other line variability have their origin in an oblique, rigidly rotating magnetospheric structure resulting from a magnetically channelled wind. [less ▲]

In the framework of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) project, a HARPSpol Large Program at the 3.6m-ESO telescope has recently started to collect high-resolution spectropolarimetric data of a large ... [more ▼]

In the framework of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) project, a HARPSpol Large Program at the 3.6m-ESO telescope has recently started to collect high-resolution spectropolarimetric data of a large number of Southern massive OB stars in the field of the Galaxy and in many young clusters and associations. We report on the first discoveries of magnetic fields in two massive stars with HARPSpol - HD 130807 and HD 122451, and confirm the presence of a magnetic field at the surface of HD 105382 that was previously observed with a low spectral resolution device. The longitudinal magnetic field measurements strongly vary for HD 130807 from ~-100 G to ~700 G. Those of HD 122451 and HD 105382 are less variable with values ranging from ~-40 to -80 G, and from ~-300 to -600 G, respectively. The discovery and confirmation of three new magnetic massive stars, including at least two He-weak stars, is an important contribution to one of MiMeS objectives: the understanding of the origin of magnetic fields in massive stars and their impact on stellar structure and evolution. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Chile (Program ID 187.D-0917). [less ▲]

This paper reports high-precision Stokes V spectra of HD 191612 acquired using the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, in the context of the Magnetism in Massive Stars ... [more ▼]

This paper reports high-precision Stokes V spectra of HD 191612 acquired using the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, in the context of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Project. Using measurements of the equivalent width of the Hα line and radial velocities of various metallic lines, we have updated both the spectroscopic and orbital ephemerides of this star. We confirm the presence of a strong magnetic field in the photosphere of HD 191612, and detect its variability. We establish that the longitudinal field varies in a manner consistent with the spectroscopic period of 537.6 d, in an approximately sinusoidal fashion. The phases of minimum and maximum longitudinal field are, respectively, coincident with the phases of maximum and minimum Hα equivalent width and H[SUB]p[/SUB] magnitude. This demonstrates a firm connection between the magnetic field and the processes responsible for the line and continuum variability. Interpreting the variation of the longitudinal magnetic field within the context of the dipole oblique rotator model, and adopting an inclination i= 30° obtained assuming alignment of the orbital and rotational angular momenta, we obtain a best-fitting surface magnetic field model with obliquity β= 67°± 5° and polar strength B[SUB]d[/SUB]= 2450 ± 400 G. The inferred magnetic field strength implies an equatorial wind magnetic confinement parameter η[SUB]*[/SUB]≃ 50, supporting a picture in which the Hα emission and photometric variability have their origin in an oblique, rigidly rotating magnetospheric structure resulting from a magnetically channelled wind. This interpretation is supported by our successful Monte Carlo radiative transfer modelling of the photometric variation, which assumes the enhanced plasma densities in the magnetic equatorial plane above the star implied by such a picture, according to a geometry that is consistent with that derived from the magnetic field. Predictions of the continuum linear polarization resulting from Thompson scattering from the magnetospheric material indicate that the Stokes Q and U variations are highly sensitive to the magnetospheric geometry, and that expected amplitudes are in the range of current instrumentation. [less ▲]

The key empirical property of the X-ray emission from O stars is a strong correlation between the bolometric and X-ray luminosities. In the framework of the Chandra Carina Complex Project, 129 O and B ... [more ▼]

The key empirical property of the X-ray emission from O stars is a strong correlation between the bolometric and X-ray luminosities. In the framework of the Chandra Carina Complex Project, 129 O and B stars have been detected as X-ray sources; 78 of those, all with spectral type earlier than B3, have enough counts for at least a rough X-ray spectral characterization. This leads to an estimate of the L [SUB]X[/SUB]-L [SUB]BOL[/SUB] ratio for an exceptional number of 60 O stars belonging to the same region and triples the number of Carina massive stars studied spectroscopically in X-rays. The derived log(L [SUB]X[/SUB]/L [SUB]BOL[/SUB]) is -7.26 for single objects, with a dispersion of only 0.21 dex. Using the properties of hot massive stars listed in the literature, we compare the X-ray luminosities of different types of objects. In the case of O stars, the L [SUB]X[/SUB]-L [SUB]BOL[/SUB] ratios are similar for bright and faint objects, as well as for stars of different luminosity classes or spectral types. Binaries appear only slightly harder and slightly more luminous in X-rays than single objects; the differences are not formally significant (at the 1% level), except for the L [SUB]X[/SUB]-L [SUB]BOL[/SUB] ratio in the medium (1.0-2.5 keV) energy band. Weak-wind objects have similar X-ray luminosities but they display slightly softer spectra compared with "normal" O stars with the same bolometric luminosity. Discarding three overluminous objects, we find a very shallow trend of harder emission in brighter objects. The properties of the few B stars bright enough to yield some spectral information appear to be different overall (constant X-ray luminosities, harder spectra), hinting that another mechanism for producing X-rays, besides wind shocks, might be at work. However, it must be stressed that the earliest and X-ray brightest among these few detected objects are similar to the latest O stars, suggesting a possibly smooth transition between the two processes. [less ▲]

in Revista Mexicana de Astronomia y Astrofisica Conference Series (2008, August 01)

We have acquired extensive optical spectroscopy of the early-type magnetic star HD 191612 (O6.5f?pe-O8fp). The Balmer and HeI lines show strongly variable emission which is extremely reproducible on a ... [more ▼]

We have acquired extensive optical spectroscopy of the early-type magnetic star HD 191612 (O6.5f?pe-O8fp). The Balmer and HeI lines show strongly variable emission which is extremely reproducible on a well-determined 538-d period. Metal lines and HeII absorptions (including many selective emission lines, but excluding HeII lambda 4686 Å emission) are nearly constant in line strength, but are variable in velocity. The radial-velocity variations establish a double-lined binary orbit with P_{orb} = 1542d, e = 0.44; by elimination, rotational modulation of a magnetically constrained plasma is left as by far the most likely `clock' underlying the 538-d changes. The implied rotation period shows that slow rotators can easily be hidden in the O-star population, with gaussian-like `turbulence' dominating the line widths. [less ▲]

in Massive Stars and High-Energy Emission in OB Associations (2005, November 01)

The Of?p spectral category was introduced by Walborn in 1972 to describe peculiar stars which possess intense emission lines of C III 4647,4650,4651. Recently, two of them, HD 108 and HD 191612, were ... [more ▼]

The Of?p spectral category was introduced by Walborn in 1972 to describe peculiar stars which possess intense emission lines of C III 4647,4650,4651. Recently, two of them, HD 108 and HD 191612, were found to display spectacular line profile variations in the visible domain: these stars apparently alternate between two different spectral states (O6-O8). To discover the origin of this intriguing behaviour, a multiwavelength campaign was undertaken. In this context, the analysis of the X-ray emission is especially important since it provides crucial information for constraining the nature of these peculiar objects and testing conflicting models. We are therefore carrying out high-quality XMM-Newton observations of these stars and we present the results of the data obtained up to now. [less ▲]